A Lebanese national has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a Kano court for the sexual exploitation of teenagers, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat child abuse in Nigeria.
In a significant decision, the Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced 67-year-old Zuhier R Akar, a Lebanese national, to 14 years imprisonment for sexually exploiting two teenage girls.
This landmark decision underscores the commitment of Nigeria’s judicial system to fighting human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
In Kano, it was the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) that played a crucial role in bringing Akar to justice.
After a report from the Department of State Security Service (DSS) in Kano, the agency charged him with two counts of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The incident took place at Akar’s home in Gidan Wanka, located on Unity Road within the Fagge Local Government Area.
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In delivering the judgment, Justice S.M. Shu’aibu declared that the prosecution had successfully proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Consequently, Akar was sentenced to 14 years in prison with no possibility of a fine, highlighting the seriousness of his offenses. Besides serving time, he was also required by the court to pay a ₦2 million fine.
Abdullahi Babale, the prosecution counsel and Kano Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, shared crucial details during the trial.
He disclosed that the crime occurred on September 4, 2024, at Akar’s residence and was reported to NAPTIP by the DSS the next day.
The defendant lured the 14 and 15-year-old girls from Civic Centre Road near Suya Spot, brought them to his home, and sexually exploited them.
“A video showing the defendant engaging in sexual misconduct with the victims was shared on social media,” Babale stated.
The prosecution submitted four pieces of evidence to the court, including the defendant’s confessional statement and the victim’s testimony, in order to support its case.
The defendant admitted guilt regarding the charge.
He stated that the offense violates section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and is subject to penalties under Section 26(1) of the same act.
Mr. R.A. Kasali, the defense counsel, requested leniency for Akar.
